Activist Cleveland

Rainey Institute is dedicated to social change for Cleveland’s economically disadvantaged youth through education and participation in the performing and visual arts. One hundred years ago, the Rainey Institute was founded by a pioneering social worker, Anna Edwards, and a philanthropist, Eleanor B. Rainey. Mrs. Rainey, deeply impressed by the work being accomplished, financed Miss Edwards’ program, and paid for the construction of a building to house its operations. This building near the intersection of East 55th Street and Superior Avenue in Cleveland is still the home of what was named the Rainey Institute in her honor. Rainey’s history spans the earliest years of the car, electricity, the telephone, two world wars, a depression and the wondrous advances of medicine and technology. Yet through all these changes, families are still drawn together by theatre arts, educational opportunities, friendships, and the joy of achievement. Rainey Institute celebrates the talents and strong character of our young people who use their outstanding abilities to provide quality artistic experiences for appreciative audiences. At Rainey Institute the arts are a tool to help young minds with reading, writing and math. Young people develop a work ethic, honesty, self-discipline, persistence, compassion, teamwork and a respect for others. At Rainey they spend their time productively and apply their talents thoughtfully. They learn to be “on stage” even when they’re not performing. Rainey trains individuals to become productive contributors to every phase of society and in their chosen profession.

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